China clears Alibaba’s Qwen AI just in time for iPhone Duo

In what may be a hugely significant move, China has approved the use of Alibaba AI models for Apple’s iPhone Duo and other iPhones. It’s a significant step forward for the company in China, where demand for its smartphone remains incredibly strong. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved integration of AI from Alibaba in several iPhones, including all the models currently supporting Apple Intelligence. That approval extends to Apple Intelligence, as well as Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen (Qwen) and Tongyi Wanxiang models. This should mean Apple will be able to offer Chinese iPhone users similar image generation and AI chatbot capabilities as it provides to customers elsewhere, bar Europe. Cook’s China tour This news breaks around the same time Tim Cook, Apple’s former CEO and now executive chairman, visits China. He met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Beijing on Monday following a weekend of stops across the country and meetings in Europe before that, including a brush with UK royalty. Cook won’t be on the move without reason, and it’s easy to speculate that the new Alibaba AI approval in China was part of his tour itinerary. If that’s the case, then …

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